Donald Ray Hebert

Homicide

Donald Ray Hebert, 43, was found dead in his 3115 SW McKinley Avenue home in Des Moines on Tuesday, September 9, 1980, after failing to show up for his job with United Airlines at the Des Moines Airport. According to Des Moines police, Hebert died from a single gunshot wound to the head.

Polk County in Iowa

Des Moines in Polk County

A Des Moines Register article dated Sept. 10, 1980, said Hebert worked the 1 to 10 p.m. shift the previous day, and afterward had gone to a southside tavern to watch the last half of the Monday night football game.

Hebert — who was divorced and lived alone — would often stop by the tavern after work, but patrons told the Register’s Tom Suk that Herbert left the night before with an unknown man.

When Hebert failed to show up for work on Tuesday, a co-worker contacted Hebert’s girlfriend, Kim Gray, who had a key to Hebert’s home. Inside, they found Hebert on the bathroom floor. He’d been shot once just above his left eye.

Des Moines police recovered a spent cartridge in the bathroom sink as well as a live round near the body, but found no weapon at the scene.

The home showed no signs of forced entry, though the Register reported some household items had been disturbed, indicating the shooter had been searching for something. Hebert usually carried a few hundred dollars in his wallet; police found the empty billfold on Hebert’s bedroom dresser.

About Donald Hebert

Donald R. Hebert was born March 30, 1937, to Raymond L. and Juanita R. Hebert.

2 Responses to Donald Hebert

It would be interesting to know if the spent cartridge and live cartridge were entered into the ballistics computer system. It might be a long shot to see if the weapon had been used in any ther crimes.

Also, he had an established pattern of stopping by the bar after work. It appears he was known to carry large sums of money. So, he became a target for a bad guy. But, the person would have become some sort of regular at the bar, for the victim to leave with him.

This was my father. It was my understanding he only knew the murders for about three weeks. He played pool with them. These killers had murdered others in Des Moines as well. People who came from good famlies and were well respected in the community. One of the killers James Burroughs has died of cancer. The police told us initially they could not get enough evidence to prosecute.

Comment Policy

We encourage thoughtful discussion here but ask that comments remain civilized and constructive … i.e. without personal attacks or name-calling. Be respectful of others and remember that victims' family members visit these pages, too. If you'd like to provide us with information regarding a suspect or have other sensitive details to relay, please email us directly. Thank you in advance.